Former works Ford driver,
Toni Gardemeister will take part in a Peugeot 307, run by Astra Racing, while Rally Australia winner, Francois Duval will use a Skoda Fabia WRC.
Gigi Galli will be present in a privately enter Mitsubishi and Junior WRC champion,
Daniel Sordo will get his first taste of a World Rally Car, driving a third Kronos run
Citroen Xsara WRC.
Schedule:
Monaco's famous Casino Square, home to celebrity gamblers and big bets, is where the stakes will be raised at the ceremonial start on Thursday evening. The rally is highly compact and is based in the mountains above Monaco and Nice with competitors returning to the Principality for service in the port area.
The opening leg is based entirely to the north of the Var river with the second day, the longest of the event, generally located on the opposite side. The opening day includes a brand new stage and another not used since 1994 while the second day includes a stage not used for 14 years as well as a first pass over the classic Col de Turini.
The final leg has a more traditional flavour. It is based in the mountains near Sospel and includes two further passes over the Turini, with the spectacular gorge section near Moulinet again run downhill.
Drivers tackle 18 stages in total, covering 366.39km in a route of 1336.84km.
Hot tip:
Sebastien Loeb is the master of Monte Carlo - and with his record at the Principality it is difficult to see anyone beating the Frenchman, even if he won’t be in a ‘works’ backed car.
Last year:
Sebastien Loeb won the event last year taking the victory for the third time in succession. Toni Gardemeister finished second, while Gilles Panizzi completed the podium, with
Markko Martin and Marcus Gronholm fourth and fifth respectively. There were six 'works' retirements - including
Petter Solberg,
Francois Duval, Roman Kresta, Armin Schwarz and Stephane Sarrazin.
